According to PGG Industries, low-e coatings have another important benefit — they reduce the transmission of ultraviolet light, which can cause fabrics, rugs, draperies and furniture to fade. And it’s just one of a handful of practical home and workplace innovations made possible by chemistry.

For submitting the winning photo, Meredith will receive $1,419 to put toward her energy bills, which is what the average U.S. household paid for electricity alone in 2010!

Congratulations again to Meredith, to our eight finalists, and thanks to all who participated in the contest and voted for the grand prize winner!